Chef Mitchell preparing Frozen Strawberry Crumb Pie
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Frozen Strawberry Crumb Pie during a family gathering in summer. It quickly became a favorite among my relatives. Perfecting the balance between sweetness and creaminess took some experimentation, but the final result is a pie that everyone loves. Now, it's a staple at all our summer celebrations."

With over a decade of experience in culinary arts, I've specialized in American cuisine. My passion for desserts shines through every recipe I create. I love sharing the joy of cooking with others, especially when it comes to delightful treats like this pie.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Frozen Strawberry Crumb Pie served on a plate

Why This Frozen Strawberry Crumb Pie Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and refreshing flavor. The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy filling creates a delicious contrast that tantalizes the palate. The crumbly graham cracker crust adds texture, making each bite satisfying.

The technique involves folding strawberries into the whipped cream mixture, ensuring that their natural sweetness permeates the filling. Freezing allows the flavors to meld and develop into a rich, creamy dessert that is easy to serve.

💡 Professional Tip

For best results, ensure that your heavy cream is very cold before whipping. This will help it whip faster and achieve a better volume. Also, make sure to properly chill the pie before serving to enhance its texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare this pie up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it well covered in the freezer. This makes it an ideal dessert for parties and gatherings, as you can focus on other preparations right before serving.

You can use frozen strawberries in this recipe, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the filling. Alternatively, other berries like raspberries or blueberries work well for a mixed berry pie, giving a delightful twist to the flavor.

Since this pie is frozen rather than baked, it is done when the filling is set and firm to the touch, typically after at least 4 hours in the freezer. If you're unsure, a quick touch on the surface should confirm its firmness.

Yes, this pie is designed to be frozen. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can last for several weeks in the freezer, although it's best enjoyed within a week for optimal freshness.

This pie pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve it alongside fresh strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor and presentation.

Once thawed, the pie can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. It's best to consume it sooner rather than later, as the texture may change with prolonged exposure to moisture.

Definitely! This pie is perfect for making ahead of time. Just prepare and freeze it a few days before your event. It allows you to enjoy stress-free entertaining, and your guests will appreciate the delightful dessert.

Since this pie is served frozen, it doesn’t require reheating. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before slicing for the best texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the pie filling appears dry, it indicates that the strawberries might not have released enough juice.

Solution: Ensure you are using ripe strawberries for maximum flavor and juiciness. Consider adding a splash more lemon juice to brighten and enhance the filling's moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the crust isn't crispy, it might be due to excessive moisture.

Solution: Bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling to help it set and become crispier. Let it cool completely before adding the filling to maintain its texture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the filling appears overly firm or grainy, it may have been over-mixed or frozen too long.

Prevention: To prevent this, ensure you don't over-mix the whipped cream and monitor the freezing time closely. If the pie gets too hard, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can occur if the pie is not frozen long enough.

Recovery: To remedy this, simply return the pie to the freezer for an additional hour or so until the filling is firm throughout.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the crust appears burnt, it may have been baked at too high of a temperature.

Prevention: To avoid this, monitor the crust closely while baking and reduce the temperature if necessary. Also, using a pie shield can help protect the edges from burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the pie is too sweet, add a touch more lemon juice to balance it out.

Too Salty: If the pie is too salty, try adding more whipped cream to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: To enhance the flavor if it’s bland, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.

Fresh ingredients for Frozen Strawberry Crumb Pie

Essential Ingredients for Frozen Strawberry Crumb Pie

The key ingredients for this pie include fresh strawberries, which provide a vibrant color and flavor, and a creamy filling made from whipped cream and sour cream. The graham cracker crust offers the perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth filling.

Using high-quality fresh strawberries will enhance the overall taste of the pie. Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries, and consider organic options for a richer flavor. Fresh cream and quality graham crackers also play a significant role in achieving the best results.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Strawberries: Choose strawberries that are vibrant red and firm. They should be fragrant and free from blemishes. This will ensure you get the best flavor and sweetness in your pie.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Using heavy whipping cream instead of regular cream adds richness and a light texture to the filling. Make sure it’s well chilled for the best whipping results.
  • Graham Crackers: For the crust, use finely crushed graham crackers to achieve a smooth texture. Look for brands that don’t contain artificial flavors or preservatives for the best taste.
Cooking process for Frozen Strawberry Crumb Pie

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for this pie is straightforward and requires minimal steps. Start by preparing the crust, followed by mixing the filling and assembling it into the crust. Freezing the pie allows it to set beautifully while melding the flavors.

To achieve perfect results, ensure that all ingredients are at the right temperature, especially the cream. Patience is key when freezing, as allowing it to set properly will lead to a creamy and delicious final product.

Key Technique for Perfect Frozen Strawberry Crumb Pie

The most important technique in creating this pie is the folding method when incorporating the strawberries into the whipped cream. This prevents deflation of the whipped cream and ensures a light, airy texture in the filling.

Frozen Strawberry Crumb Pie

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1/2 cup flour
    All-purpose
  • 1/4 cup water
    For thinning
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs strawberries
    Fresh, hulled
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 3 cups heavy cream
    Whipped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
    For tanginess
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 pinch salt
    To enhance flavor
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    For the crust

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Gather all the ingredients and ensure the strawberries are hulled and sliced.

  2. Make the Crust

    Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press into a pie dish.

  3. Prepare the Filling

    Whip together the cream, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

  4. Combine Strawberries

    Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the whipped mixture.

  5. Fill the Crust

    Pour the strawberry filling into the crust and smooth the top.

  6. Freeze the Pie

    Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until set.

  7. Serve

    Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store the pie in the freezer covered with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. It keeps well for up to a month but is best consumed within a week for optimal flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh strawberries on the side can enhance the presentation and add a burst of flavor.

Recipe Variations

Try substituting strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry pie. You can also experiment with adding chocolate chips or nuts to the filling for additional flavor and texture.